Airbus has confirmed that Spain’s Ministry of Defence has placed an order for 18 C295 tactical transport aircraft to modernize the Spanish Air and Space Force’s training and airborne transport capabilities. The aircraft will replace the ageing CN235 and C212 fleets, which are currently used for pilot instruction, paratrooper deployment, and light transport missions. The decision aligns with a broader European push to improve operational readiness, logistics flexibility, and the resilience of military training pipelines.
Configured as transport variants, the C295 twin-turboprop aircraft will support a wide range of missions, including troop and cargo transport, paratrooper training, and medical evacuation. Airbus states the aircraft can carry up to 70 troops or 50 paratroopers, conduct cargo and personnel airdrops, and operate from unprepared or austere runways, a key requirement for dispersed training environments. Powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G engines, the C295 offers a payload capacity of up to eight tonnes and endurance of up to 13 hours, supporting extended training and multi-leg transport operations.
The order reinforces Spain’s long-standing relationship with the C295 platform and strengthens domestic aerospace production. Once deliveries are complete, Spain’s Air and Space Force will operate 46 C295 aircraft across transport, maritime patrol, and surveillance roles, enabling fleet commonality and streamlined logistics. Airbus notes the C295’s global footprint includes 329 aircraft ordered by 38 countries, with more than 710,000 flight hours logged to date. Final assembly takes place in Seville, ensuring the program remains anchored within Spain’s national defense industry.
